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  1. #1
    Senior Member
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    First DIY project, Hex-Tarp (Silnylon) What do you think?

    A tarp was highest on my list. I first tried a Walmart "Blue-Tarp" (6' X 8' => 10' diagonal) that left a lot to be desired; it was bulky, heavy, and poorly made/fragile, a horrible combination. I read and searched for days for a suitable replacement at a decent price. I wanted something under $50 that was lightweight, but everything I found that met that criteria was the bare minimum on functionality and looked even less appealing. I decided that I would make my own tarp and chose silnylon for the fabric.

    I toiled with the design so as to purchase only the bare minimum in terms of yardage that would suit my wallet and needs. I am rather proud of the hex-tarp design I came up with that only used 4yds of fabric and I would like to know what you all think. I decided to leave the triangle flaps at the ends and am working on a way to either lace them up or pitch them to make them sort of like "half-doors" (see the design pics from my sketchup 3d model). I lined the edges with grosgrain (only flaps left to line) and its currently hanging in my garage while my poor-mans' seam sealing (silicone caulk + mineral spirits) is drying (see pic of the first time i pitched it before sealing the seams). I made several rookie mistakes while sewing, but being my first project I'm going for functionality over aesthetics.
    design idea:final hammock tarp 1.png
    measurements: measurements.png
    real deal:20150727_204554.jpg

    Thanks to all the DIY threads on here for their combined wisdom. I'll post more pics of the final product later if anyone is interested. If you want to see/know something specific let me know.

  2. #2
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    Interesting design. Very economical use of the fabric.

    I look forward to hearing about how it performs.

  3. #3
    Senior Member ksbcrocks's Avatar
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    Doesn't look like it'll be much coverage once you're laying diagonally in the hammock. I have a 5x10 tarp I've tried pitching a frame style and it's not even close so I always hang it diagonally. Hopefully it works better for you!

  4. #4
    Senior Member boulderv7's Avatar
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    Nice work, very cool use of minimal fabric. The coverage does look on the lean side, but if you pitch it low, it may work. Keep us posted.
    My head is an animal

  5. #5
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    I appreciate the feedback. I agree it's on the lean side for coverage. I'm usually a "fair weather" hiker and not prone to extended trips. I am only looking to cover my setup from the random passing mountain rain flurry. My hammock hangs less than 9' long and I'm only 5' 9" and don't sleep diagonally. I also am hoping the "half doors" help compensate for the small 6" over hang on the ends.

    I plan on pitching the tarp low to the hammock, I'm not claustrophobic so that's not a big issue for me.

  6. #6
    Senior Member
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    I think it's a good design that fits into what output he was looking for. A lightweight, small tarp utilizing the least amount of material.

    It wouldn't be hard to add some Ogee type doors to it either if end protection is an issue.

  7. #7
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    Finished it last night. "Half doors" seem to work great. I can hardly imagine extra overall length adding as much protection as the flaps. I found they work great just pitched to the base of the same trees I hang from so I don't need to bring extra stakes. I added a loop of grosgrain mid flap to lace then together but might upgrade it to a few snaps instead.

    It was well after dark when I pitched the final product so sorry for the poor pics


  8. #8
    Senior Member Klaussinator's Avatar
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    Looks good!

    -Klauss
    My YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/rexmichaelson

    "But hey, 2 trees anywhere is a bedroom waiting to happen, right?"

  9. #9
    Senior Member
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    I think those door flaps are going to help mitigate the lack of width on the ends fine. You said you don't sleep on the diagonal so this should be a decent solution for you.

  10. #10
    Senior Member Bl@ckbird's Avatar
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    I like the design. Cuts weight yet still has a partial door.... Cheaper too! You may be on to something.
    Formerly known as - SloGo

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